Football: Team News

Aston Villa v Sheffield United

Villa wait on Bosnich, who will have a late fitness test on his hip, with Spink standing by to continue in goal. Midfielders Parker, Beinlich and Cowans return to the squad while Whittingham is likely to start the game. United recall Republic of Ireland keeper Kelly as stand-by for Tracey, who along with striker Flo faces a late test.

Blackburn Rovers v Southampton

Flowers, making his long-awaited home debut, and Shearer, fit again after back trouble, face the club they left for a combined pounds 6m. Atkins (ankle) and Morrison (leg) have recovered for Dalglish's team but Moran's hamstring problems may keep him out. Southampton have doubts over midfielders Reid and Adams, who both have Achilles tendon injuries; Charlton and Cockerill stand by.

Chelsea v Arsenal

Hoddle, the Chelsea player-manager, is set to miss out for the first time this season with an ankle knock, but he has named a squad of 18 after five successive League defeats. Included are Clarke, Barnard, Shipperley, Donaghy, Kharin, Lee and Burley. Arsenal skipper Adams is still unfit with a virus, Winterburn is in doubt with a bad toe and Graham may pick between his international wingers Limpar and McGoldrick.

Everton v QPR

Rideout's groin keeps him out for Everton and Barlow takes his place up front. Winger Beagrie is included in the squad after hamstring trouble, and he and defender Hinchcliffe have late fitness checks. QPR defenders Wilson (back) and McDonald (groin), and midfielder Barker (back) are all uncertain starters for Gerry Francis's side.

Manchester United v Wimbledon

Pallister is likely to play for United despite stiffness after the England match in midweek; Ferguson may be tempted to leave Giggs on the bench again after his international exertions. Wimbledon welcome back defenders Scales, Joseph and Blackwell after injury but left-back Kimble (ankle) faces a late fitness test. McAllister or Ardley would replace him.

Norwich City v Manchester City

Teenage winger Eadie is dropped by the Canaries in favour of England Under-21 international Sutch. Central defender Prior joins Robins and Ekoku on the injured list with thigh and calf problems. Flitcroft is out for at least a month for Manchester City following a cartilage operation. Norway's Ingebrigtsen is back in the squad after a loan period with his old club Rosenborg.

Sheffield Wednesday v Coventry City

Wednesday are down to 14 fit players, so Nilsson must play despite wanting away. Michael Williams, who replaced him at right-back last time out, broke a leg in midweek. Woods, Sheridan, Bart-Williams still injured; Bright suspended. Francis has resisted temptation to pick himself. Coventry choose between John Williams, Darby and Marsden to replace suspended Wegerle.

Swindon Town v Ipswich Town

Scott, Swindon's pounds 300,000 striker from Wycombe, makes his debut, probably at the expense of Norwegian Fjortoft. For Ipswich Slater (ankle), Mason and Goddard (flu), Forrest (knee) and Williams (hamstring) are all missing, but Kiwomya returns and Wark makes his 600th appearance for the Suffolk club.

Tottenham Hotspur v Leeds United

Sheringham and Dozzell are still ruled out by knee injuries so Ardiles recalls Durie to partner Barmby in attack in what might be his last game for Spurs. The Scot is reported to be joining Rangers next week. Anderton (knee) and Kerslake (wrist) are in doubt. Leeds, unbeaten in nine Premiership matches, have Strachan back in the squad while full-back Pemberton, a pounds 200,000 signing from Sheffield United, replaces Newsome who has bruised kidneys.

West Ham United v Oldham

Martin, the Hammers' faithful old centre- half, is set to retain his place despite the fact that Gale is fit again. Keeper Walsh, on loan from Manchester United, and Norwegian international Pedersen, a pounds 500,000 signing this week, make their debuts for Oldham. Regular keeper Hallworth is on the bench with a thigh strain; Milligan is back in midfield after flu but Bernard picked up an ankle injury in Malta with Scotland Under-21s. Ritchie is also in the squad.

TOMORROW

Newcastle United v Liverpool

United left-back Beresford is losing his fight against a calf injury and 20-year-old Elliott stands by for his first home game in two years. Barnes, for the first time this season, and Walters, should be fit for Liverpool, but full-backs Jones and Dicks are probably out, along with Grobbelaar who misses his first game this term after a cartilage operation. James steps in.